Salvos college allegedly still ‘bullying’ LGBTI student

"They need to implement the Safe Schools program so this doesn’t happen again"

THE Salvation Army’s Booth College is reportedly continuing to intimidate an LGBTI student who submitted an LGBTI-themed assessment this semester.

Shelly Kershaw had previously presented a student sermon arguing the case for marriage equality based on the bible. While the presentation was well received, Kershaw said the college faculty has threatened failure over the choice of topic and asked Kershaw to withdraw from study.

The theology student said matters have since escalated, with the college refusing to address the issue through its usual student grievance channels and asking instead for Kershaw to meet with a lawyer, with no student union advocate present.

“It’s a tactic of essentially excluding [the college] from investigating the matter and excluding the student advocate from representing me in the case,” said Kershaw.

“They’re not about resolving the matter at all. This is about protecting the interests of bullies.

“There was no way I was going to walk into a meeting to deal with a bully with the student advocate excluded from being there.”

Kershaw said teachers are still refusing to mark the assessment, preventing further academic progression. Kershaw is being forced to consider transfer to another college in order to continue study.

“Booth College needs to address the issue of bullying and discrimination that happened, and the equal right of LGBTI students to study,” said Kershaw.

“They need to implement the Safe Schools program so this doesn’t happen again.”

“This information is not accurate,” said a Salvation Army spokesperson.

“The Salvation Army Booth College supports all students in a manner which ensures procedural fairness and freedom from unfair repercussions. Just to reiterate, The Salvation Army Booth College values learning in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.”

About the AuthorJesse Jones

Jesse is Star Observer's senior journalist. His background is in public health and sex work, and his special interests include health, gender and travel. When he's not writing, Jesse is into movies, martial arts and margaritas. You can follow his tweets @JesseJonesAU.